Tourism boost in Monterey during winter season

From 2011 to 2014, the Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau says Monterey has seen a 17 percent increase of tourism during the winter season. The Bureau said it’s important to promote Monterey all year, not just in the summer.

“Really it’s a matter of collaborating with our hotel partners, and businesses and members, and really getting them focused on getting business here when we really need it to help fill rooms and to fill businesses,” said Rob O’Keefe, the Chief Marketing Officer with the Visitors Bureau.

Typically there’s a lull of tourism in the winter season, but lately, local businesses and hotels have seen otherwise.

“Normally the peak season is between the first week of June and the last week of august, lately we’ve seen it extend past august and into September, October and even this year we’ve kind of seen it extended into November,” said Brandon Squires with Adventures By The Sea.

Tourism experts said teamwork between local hotels and businesses is what’s driving this boost.

“So when we’re out there saying Monterey County’s a great place to come during the winter, the traveler will follow up and see these really attractive rates and these really great experiences for them to come,” said O’Keefe, “and that draws them in.”

The Monterey County Convention and Visitors Bureau said weather is also a big factor. We’ve had mild winters over the past few years, but this year is expected to be a little different as we deal with El Nino.